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Comments
Regards,
OW
The obvious question is just how well your 330xi has met your needs. What model year is it, and how many miles do you project it will have by the end of the year?
Your lease ends at a very good time. You'll have one of the best opportunities to make a good deal on a brand new or new "leftover". And, of course, there is the opportunity to buy your 330xi if it's been awesome and if the price is right. Sometimes the leased vehicle can be purchased for less than the written residual value, but you would need to address that possibility only if you are considering keeping the leased vehicle.
A new 3-series would be nice, and the '09 will get the all-new enhanced iDrive, with simpler controls, and enhanced features, The all-new iDrive is an extensive revision, not just a tweak. At this very moment I am not able to easily link info to you on the '09 iDrive, sorry, but if you Google it you will be amazed at the new system. I would have liked the new software and technology in my 1er, but not the new widescreen. It fits nicely in the other models, but is actually too big for the 1er IMO. Regardless, Google it and check it out. It's truly incredible and is worth much more than the incremental price increase for the '09 model. Trust me, the '09 iDrive is an incredible leap forward, and will offer major technology advancements... simply awesome.
Remember, it is the "car", not the "deal" that you will be driving. A fair deal on a fantastic car is always better than a fantastic deal on a fair car.
TM
The mileage will be high, approx. 44K at turn-in. The buy out price stands at $29,723 for purchase now and residual was $28K. I would consider buying it at $24K but I am sure that will be declined.
The idrive never bothered me on the loaner 5 series I used during a service call. The 335i I used one day blew my socks off. I will check out the new one, though.
Regards,
OW
BTW, the '09 iDrive will blow the doors off of the current system. Take the time to Google it. Cool technology!
TM
Jag dealer in Manhattan has 10 '08 XKs in inventory (per website). All discounted ~$6-7k from MSRP. It's a start... But, more than likely in '09 start looking for used/leftover '08s. Unless my fancy is struck elsewhere. And assuming, economically, no surprises to the downside.
Drive by, among many others, Porsche/Audi dealership every day. Shiny, black 1 series sitting in used car row. Wonder what it was traded for? Maybe the anti-Tagman: 1 Series traded for 997? Bought at auction? I don't believe that this dealership family includes BMW. Grey TL behind the 1, TL is prettier...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
My pick would be the '09 A4 3.2. Not quite as fast as the 335i or the G35S, but it's the best looking, most spacious, and has the best interior.
Back in 2001, my comparatively loaded (sport, premium, heated seats, Xenon headlights) 330i cost about $39.5K, exclusive of TTL. An '08 335i, comparably equipped, would set me back $45.6K. (To hold down costs, I've chosen not to get the factory nav. Garmin does a better job for a lot less money.)
That's a $6K difference that I really can't justify. The 335i would certainly be faster but I don't think that it would provide me with a significantly more entertaining driving experience. I live in a densely populated NYC suburb & I don't get many chances to put my foot to the floor. I'd be more likely to go for the 328i. Equipped to suit me, it would nick me for $41.6K.
Thankfully, my 330i still looks gorgeous & has never run better. I should have no trouble getting another 2 or 3 years out of it. (This is why I'd rather buy than lease. When you lease, you can't decide when you'll next go into the market. When you own, you're in charge, & you can go into the market at a time of your choosing.)
If I really wanted AWD, I'd look at the G35x, which will become the G37x for 2009. A loaded G35x costs about $41K. The bad news - for me, at least - is that the Gx isn't available with a stick. The good news is that the '09 G37x will probably come with a 7-speed auto.
As I originally posted to you back when you were messed up on the XKR, the Jag XK is the right car for you! Cramped rear seat is the only drawback.
Good luck.
TM
Regards,
OW
I will plan to keep it on my short list with the 1'er but for less cost, the G37 sedan will definitely make me happy in the wallet! Power is there, just less of a dancer than the little guy!
Regards,
OW
2009 G37
Regards,
OW
At the end, Infiniti has achieved one thing: retain the bragging right of having the most powerful entry level sports sedan in its class. I would much rather see them working on to improve the smoothness and FE on the current 3.5L V6.
The new A4 is supposed to hit dealers in September. There's both a sport package which adds wheels, suspension, and paddle shifters, and the new Audi Drive Select system, with comfort, dynamic, and auto settings which control the suspension as well as Audi's new active steering system (which is supposed to be better than BMW's). Additionally, the suspension, steering, throttle, and transmission settings can all be individually tailored via MMI.
The bigger engine probably wont help, but that new 7-speed automatic sure will. The big problem that the G (and especially the M) have is very aggressive lower gearing for acceleration, combined with the lack of an overdrive designed for fuel economy. If the new automatic can keep the highway revs in the low 2000s rather than close to 3000, that should make a big improvement.
I really enjoy the Active Steering I intentionally ordered on my 1-Series, and I have a pretty good idea of how it works and how it drives.
What would make the Audi's upcoming AS any better, as you suggested it is supposed to be?
TM
I'm not sure, I just remember reading something to the effect that Audi's AS system is more natural feeling than BMW's. The last AS equipped BMW I drove was the 5, and I didn't particularly like it. The latest BMWs such as the 135i may have a better system.
Driving the 335d up and down the winding road was part of this summer little pleasure. The coupe chained the curves glued to the road like a snake, but a fast one!!! Upwards I comfortably drove in 'DS' mode. Downwards, I used to put 'M' to brake and engine-braking to rev to my astonished content—I am little by little taking pleasure of driving with the BMW auto tranny. :surprise:
Anyhow, I understand TM when says that his feelings when driving his 135i are not to be shared by words. If driving my 335d on winding roads made me feel so precise and powerful, the lesser weight, shorter drive train, more power and absence of top shall give TM the most insane sensation.
Regards,
Jose
Glad you made it back safely. I'm taking a "rainy day" break today... I'm not used to that in California. We've still got a little more time for boating and skiing, boarding, and eating too much tomorrow and Saturday. Then it's finally home on Sunday. Frankly, I'm ready. I'm already burned out.
Hopefully your trip was more relaxing then mine.
Gosh, we are fast approaching the new 2009 model year, and I always get excited around the new model year. This time there will finally be some new diesels and hybrids to give us a small taste of what the future has in store for us. I suspect the 2010 year will be the "big one" to look forward to.
Anyway, looks like OW will need a car by year's end, and laurasdada has got a bad itch for a car, possibly a Jag XK. LG is holding out for a new Audi, and Dewey is waiting on a gas-mizer from Toyota or Lexus. Me? I'm probably going to sell the Porsche and later on the Jag, to be replaced by hybrids and something unknown for the wife. Strange times.
TM
I always enjoy your trips, as it takes me out of the USA and somewhere in Spain .My what a beautiful area...Instead of buying a new car, I spent an even larger amount in maintaining a series of dikes on the farm....Very hot here, and alot of driving to the farm and back....I sure can appreciate the cost for fuel for a person commuting to work everyday....Tony
FWIW, the LR Defender ragtop is a blast on a beach in the summer. Must be dozens on Nantucket driven by wealthy prep school kids or their 40ish fathers.
Saab 9-3 rag tops are sleepers. IMHO they are a lot of summer fun for not much money. A guy and his new friend could hit the Berkshires or Maine in one this weekend and never stop grinning. Think of it as BMW 3 Series ragtop without the attitude and 20 grand less.They even have room in the back seat for a golden retriever to complete the picture.
Somehow there is logic to that madness.
TM
Perhaps, but on actual roads, not so much. Same goes for the Wrangler, which is so bad on the road that it makes you laugh. The 9-3 convertible is like a 3 series without the attitude, quality, or fun. A used Boxster will put a much bigger grin on your face than a Euro-Pontiac.
There's just far too much mediocre GM in the 9-3 to get me remotely excited about it.
TM
At least the prior gen XK8 is a three seater in that I and two kids could ride together. Nowhere to really put two adults/two kids in any real comfort. At least, not for more than a few minutes. Unfortunately, I believe that the current gen XK offers even smaller rear "seat" accommodations.
Since I rarely see them, I sometimes forget how lovely the prior XK8 coupe is. This one was, dum,dum,dum: black! So a no go for me. But, beautiful nonetheless... Vedy, vedy British inside with the expanse of wood on the dash and the stitched leather. And, of course, the late, not so lamented J-gate shifter...
Tag, I know: 1 series. But I try to limit my obsessions to one car at a time. When the time is right, I shall review the entire spectrum of cars so oft mentioned in the thread.
My 9 year old son has started to read my Car and Driver. He wants to know why I prefer the Aston Martin over the Ferrari in the latest C & D comparo. Well, the AM got much better mpg: 11 vs the atrocious 9 of the Ferrari! The AM must be a hybrid!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I am fairly sure after all of this that it's "style" you are primarily after. I can understand that. We're married with kids and we can only stretch things just so far. We are committed to taking care of our families first. After we've got that all covered, we sometimes have a little left over, and we know we deserve some of it. That's where a little style and fun enter the equation.
Sometimes it's just not that easy to pull that illogical, irrational, and impractical trigger... let's face it... we know we want these cars for the way they make us feel and because we have genuine appreciation for them... for their style and driving dynamics, and sometimes also their status and prestige. No reason to feel guilty or resort to being too practical when this isn't a practical decision.
As I understand you from this forum, you are a guy that truly deserves to go out on a limb here to a reasonable extent and really allow yourself to indulge enough to get the car YOU really desire... not what will escape criticism back here on this forum. We don't have to approve of your choice, although I do think there's every likelihood that we are all on the same page anyway.
Be patient, be persistent, be honest with yourself. Have a lot of fun testing out different cars. You might surprise yourself. If you love having your kids with you in the car, than don't buy a car they can't fit in and enjoy with you. There are wonderful cars that have plenty of style and a functional rear seat. OTOH, if this car is exclusively for you, then the rear seat doesn't matter. But, be honest with yourself on this. As for me, I insist on rear seats. I thrive on having my kids with me in the car now and then.
To each his own. Be true to yourself here. We sometimes don't get too many extra chances. So, I am hoping you take a plunge that makes you happy... Regardless of what I or LG or OW or Dewey or Tony or Jose or BIG or hPowders, or any person on the Internet thinks.
Damn... You deserve this. You have righteously earned it.
TM
When I tested the 128i (sans sales guy), the kids were snug in the back but they fit...the package was good and the drive very satisfying...until 3 weeks later when I tested the 135i!
The Sales Lady MADE me test it in a deserted corporate building parking lot and forced me to nail it and take an invisible slalom course at full throttle!!! What a nerve on this lady scaring me like that!
Way cool!
Phenomenal poise at the limit and the car becomes a part of you as in most bimmers but at a very high level of white knuckle exuberance! But you never loose control. You would have to do something REALLY stupid. Therefore, this car is not for teenagers! :sick:
While the XK-R is your dream, Dada, the 1-series would be a great consolation prize that the kids can fit in.
I am noodling on this car!
Regards,
OW
Too bad that mean sales lady forced you to experience the 135i, and see the light!
Curse her!
TM
I guess I'm just a sensible, frugal New Englander (and I do so love New England) even though I was born in the city so nice that they named it twice: NY, NY. And grew up in the shadows of that great city, with nary a desire to live there. As still is true. Hate the Yankees, Giants broke my heart recently...
But, I think I've got my priorities straight. My time will come, either rationally or irrationally...
I don't care so much about the badge (my last ride was a Chrysler 300M for goodness sake!), it's the car that captures my attention. I look not for approval here (or elsewhere), rather for the fun and spirited discussions that certain Marques and specific models spark. Truly, if the XLR is the car for me, so it shall be. And I'd post the who, what, when, where and how of that car (wearing my flame-proof driving suit, of course!). But, I do believe that the good ship XLR has sailed from the vast port of my automobile desires... As you allude, I think most of the posters here are automobile aficionados in one respect or another. Just, please, no more brutal discussions of the finances of car companies and how they may or may not keep their books! Leave the beancounting to the guys that run GM! :P
The thrill is in the chase!
Keep talkin' about the automotive swizzle sticks that stir your driving drink, folks!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Did you see the difference between the base and as tested prices for the Ferrari? Yikes! Most cars cost less than those options! :sick:
Aye, dada. 1000000% agreed.
How about the G sedan? theres an AWD version, decent luuxury appointments, and pretty decent sounding Bose system. Mileage sucks a bit, but considering the price difference (compared to the Germans), I still think its worth it.
You didnt mention speed or acceleration on your list, so I also recommend 2009 Audi A4. The upcoming A4 is roomier than ever, very very luxurious inside, and got the latest version of the turbo engine (if you prefer the smaller engine), which should help fuel mileage also. I wont bet on the 3.2, as you prefer stick, and Audi hasnt offered 3.2 with stick so far.
The 135 is in a class by itself and still in the running due to sheer joy of driving. Even at $40K, it's not that bad of a compromise for the performance return.
I definatly will try the A4 but the price is suspect.
Regards,
OW
The stunner is Mercury, 2nd place at 151!
Definitely a good result for Lexus. Still, it has to be taken into consideration that a single bad apple can ruin the results for an entire brand (see Infiniti QX56) and that most of the reported "problems" are:
1. Excessive wind noise
2. Noisy brakes
3. Vehicle pulling to the left or right
4. Issues with the instrument panel/dashboard
5. Excessive window fogging
My son has told me that when he's playing for the Red Sox, he'll buy me an Aston Martin. But we all know how that really goes, post game interview and son proclaims, "Hi, Mom! I bought you that Aston Martin you always wanted!"
Think it's time to give the TL a Zaino bath...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I think one of TTAC's commenters sums this thing up brilliantly:
"Ugly coming and going. To think that I considered getting an Acura several years ago; now I wouldn’t touch them with a ten foot pole. I wouldn’t allow any of my cars near one for fear that the ugliness might be catching; afterall, it has swept through the Acura brand like the Black Death through Europe."
How can anyone look at that beak and proclaim, "Yes! C'est magnifique! Brilliant! Tan bonita!" and believe it? Beauty is in the eye, this can opener may just poke out the critical eyes!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Definitely a good result for Lexus. Still, it has to be taken into consideration that a single bad apple can ruin the results for an entire brand (see Infiniti QX56) and that most of the reported "problems" are:
I understand your point, but that is not the case regarding Infiniti. They did not have a car, truck, or SUV place in the Top 3 in any category. Yeah, the QX56 might be a lemon, but none of their other Infiniti cars, trucks, or SUV's scored well either.That said, they did score just above average, better than Audi and MB
1st place: Lexus RX
2nd place: Lexus GX470
3rd place: Porsche Cayenne
The Lexus RX shares much of its engineering with the Toyota Highlander SUV. The RX earned top scores, except in design and mechanical quality of its exterior and interior. In those areas, it earned average scores
Beats the cayenne x5 didn't even make the list :sick:
Category: Large Premium
1st place: Lexus LS
2nd place: Mercedes-Benz S-class
3rd place: Cadillac DTS
The LS series is Lexus's top-of-the-line model. It includes the $105,000 hybrid Lexus LS600h. The LS earned above-average scores in all areas and a final score that was the among the best of any car.
link title
Now, if it's style, performance, and fun you are after... well... unfortunately, it's still slim pickins from the Prius-builder.
After all these years, it's still the same old story.
TM
Huh :confuse:
What's left to discuss? Speedy and exciting cars. :confuse:
Bummer!
That topic now is taboo for me based on my legal situation. :lemon:
So far I've been driving my BMW335i even slower than the Hyunadai Sonata I rented on a prior vacation. Just to be safe I go 3 MPH below speed limits to avoid the potential catastrophe of accidentally going 8MPH above the speed limit and getting caught again (God forbid).
So in my particualr case corporate finances of auto firms are far more exciting than the cars themselves.
So pardon my lack of auto enthusiasm!
Oh well at least I am enthusiastic about one thing. My most favorite recreational drug is both legal and healthy as indicated by the link below: :shades:
Next time I see my doctor again I will thumb my nose at him when he tells me "No more coffee."
link title
The interior is one of the things I like least about the outgoing TL, but IMO it's fantastic compared to the abomination that replaces it. Maybe Acura should make the steering wheel into a square so they can shove more buttons on it? This definitely beats the pants off the Merc C-class for the worst interior in the segment award.
Now, if it's style, performance, and fun you are after... well... unfortunately, it's still slim pickins from the Prius-builder.
After all these years, it's still the same old story.
10 years ago I might've paid attention to this study, but with cars as reliable as they are now, it really just isn't a big concern for me anymore. There are still certain models that I would avoid, like the Mexican built VWs or Alabama built Mercedes, but JD power scores about too much wind noise and "excessive window fogging" aren't a top priority.
Lexus currently builds nothing that looks as good, drives as well, and is as luxurious as the S6.
And that's just one very good example, of many.
TM
Oh and nevermind the transformers, even Darth vader will have a hard time figuring things out inside the new TL.
What I'm looking for:
Obviously I go for style, and practicality isnt on top (another benefit of being single :P ).
Quality and creature comforts seriously considered. Good sounding stereo is a must, so is good interior quality and comfort.
Can handle occasional spirited driving (of course, different standard set for suv) and long trips.
I prefer a backseat for occasional use.
Fuel mileage not crucial, unless we're talking 10 mpg.
Good dealership service.
Defnititely no NAV, waste of $$$, better buy Garmin.
It can be new or CPO, with a budget of $45k or under.
My candidates so far:
(SUV) BMW x5, VW touareg, or ('09) Infiniti fx. Still cant make up my mind about the FX, still have doubts about the ride.
(Sedan) Audi A6/A8 or "09 A4, BMW 3, Infiniti G
(Coupe) Audi A5, 335i convertible, 135i conv, and -if I can get a bargain- a 6er.
Any recommendation? Feel free to add another make-model you think I need to consider.
I just realized that we completely forgot about one other image conscious car, the BMW 6-series. How come noones talking bout it? does this mean the car's been a weak seller? I wonder.... as I personally find the design pretty attractive, with only 2 complaints regarding the flabby looking rear end and the dumb wood panels that look so fake. Also, I heard it doesnt hold its value too well, a sign from car god for a bargain, maybe?
Yes...
1. Porsche 911.
2. Jaguar XK.
TM